President Ilham Aliyev attends opening of Khojaly Genocide Memorial [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their family members participated in the opening ceremony of the Khojaly Genocide Memorial in Khojaly town on February 26.

According to AzerNEWS, President Ilham Aliyev laid a wreath at the Memorial.

The head of state, the First Lady, and their family members toured the Memorial and met with members of the general public of Khojaly district.

The Khojaly Genocide Memorial was established pursuant to the Order signed by President Ilham Aliyev in February 2025, with the aim of eternally commemorating the memory of the victims of the Khojaly tragedy, conveying historical truths to future generations, and preserving national memory.

The project was implemented based on the concept prepared by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

The monolithic structure surrounding the Memorial on four sides is designed in the form of symbolic hands protecting Khojaly residents from genocide.

As a sign of respect for the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide, almond trees, which bloom at the end of winter and herald spring, have been planted in the courtyard of the Memorial. Over the years, the almond blossom has been chosen as the symbol of the ‘Justice for Khojaly!’ campaign, and this is no coincidence. The almond blossom reflects the demand for justice regarding the genocide committed in Khojaly in February 1992.

The Memorial consists of four sections. The first two sections feature an exhibition hall preserving the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide.

The exhibition greets visitors with the ‘Face of the Tragedy’ installation. Authored by Rashad Alakbarov and Azer Rustamov, the installation depicts the victims of the genocide that occurred on the night of February 25-26, 1992 – innocent civilians killed and families destroyed.

Models of doves flying along the ceiling of the Memorial are a tribute to the memory of the innocent residents of Khojaly who were killed during the tragedy while wishing peace to the whole world.

The exhibition dedicated to the Khojaly genocide – one of the most horrific crimes against humanity in the 20th century – presents the historical roots of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the policy of occupation, and the consequences of Armenian terrorism on Azerbaijani lands based on documents, maps, and facts. Exhibitions titled ‘Khojaly – Traces of Ancient Civilization,’ ‘Khojaly Genocide is a Crime Against Humanity,’ and ‘Do Not Forget Khojaly!’ provide information about Khojaly’s history, the geography of the occupation, the chronology of the conflict, violations of international law norms, the Khojaly genocide as one of the bloodiest crimes against humanity, and the political-legal assessment given by National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

In the exhibition hall, information about the horrors experienced on the day of the tragedy is presented interactively via a Khojaly model.

In the second exhibition hall, Sarkhan Hajiyev’s installation ‘Houses Silenced in One Night’ and the fates of 8 families completely destroyed during the tragedy – lives interrupted in one night, unfulfilled dreams, silenced children’s laughter as a result of the crime against humanity – are presented through an AI-generated video.

The exhibition hall reflects President Ilham Aliyev’s consistent policy to promote Khojaly truths at the international level, the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation under the initiative and leadership of its President Mehriban Aliyeva to preserve the memory of Khojaly genocide victims and establish justice, publications and informational materials in various languages, as well as the work carried out within the framework of the international ‘Justice for Khojaly!’ campaign initiated by Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and her active participation in related events.

Models of monuments erected in several countries in memory of the genocide victims within the ‘Justice for Khojaly!’ international campaign are also displayed here.

The exhibition concludes with information on the 44-day Patriotic War and the restoration of state sovereignty, embodying the ideas of the ‘Great Return’ and ‘Devastated Khojaly will revive again.’

Another section of the Memorial features an assembly hall intended for official events and commemoration ceremonies.

The Khojaly Genocide Memorial serves as a space dedicated to preserving national memory in architectural and conceptual terms.

On the night of February 25-26, 1992, Armenian military units, with the participation of the 366th motorized rifle regiment of the former Soviet army stationed in Khankendi, committed a horrific genocide in Khojaly. During the tragedy, 613 people were killed. Among them were 63 children, 106 women, and 70 elderly people. As a result of the military aggression, 8 families were completely wiped out, 25 children lost both parents, and 132 children lost one parent.

The Memorial erected in liberated Khojaly will eternally preserve the memory of the genocide victims and convey historical truths to every visitor.

Today, the Azerbaijani people commemorate the memory of the victims of the Khojaly genocide, one of the most horrific massacres of the 20th century, as a victorious country and victorious people. The souls of the Khojaly victims are at peace today. As the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief said, their blood was not shed in vain; their revenge was taken on the battlefield during the Patriotic War.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev wrote heartfelt words in the Memorial’s guest book.

Afterward, the head of state, the First Lady, and family members toured the Memorial and met with representatives of the Khojaly district community.

El Salvador issues Bitcoin passports to lure global crypto elite

Building on its 2021 milestone as the first nation to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender, El Salvador is doubling down on its digital asset strategy. President Nayib Bukele’s administration has officially launched a dual-tier residency and citizenship initiative: the Freedom Visa and the Bitcoin Country programs, AzerNEWS reports.

These programs are designed to cement the nation’s status as a global “crypto-hub” by attracting both high-net-worth investors and everyday digital nomads.

The Freedom Visa is a premium citizenship-by-investment program targeted at the global tech elite. By making a significant contribution to the Salvadoran economy, wealthy investors can bypass traditional immigration hurdles.

The program requires a donation of $1 million USD, which can be made in either USDT (Tether) or Bitcoin. In return, participants will receive full residency and a Salvadoran passport, typically issued within 4 to 6 weeks. To ensure exclusivity, the government has capped the program at just 1,000 applicants per year.

For the broader community of crypto enthusiasts, the Bitcoin Country program acts as a digital membership certificate. This initiative aims to stimulate “crypto-tourism” by making the digital currency a seamless part of the travel experience.

Tourists holding this status enjoy a 10% discount when paying with Bitcoin at participating hotels, cafes, and restaurants across the country.

To ensure these transactions are practical for daily use, El Salvador utilizes the Lightning Network (LN). This “Layer 2” technology sits on top of the Bitcoin blockchain to solve the problem of high fees and slow speeds.

By using LN, transfer costs are reduced to a microscopic, almost imperceptible level, allowing a tourist to pay for a cup of coffee or a hotel stay without the burden of traditional network congestion. This technical infrastructure is the backbone of the government’s goal to integrate BTC into the very fabric of Salvadoran life.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva shares post on anniversary of Khojaly genocide

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva shared a post on her social media accounts commemorating the 34th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.

According to AzerNEWS, the post reads: “The Khojaly genocide is a crime committed against all humanity, and will be etched forever in our memory. May Allah rest the souls of all our martyrs in peace.”

Dollar credibility test after Trump’s 15% tariff threat

Trump’s new tariff threat is a ‘major credibility test’ for the US dollar, which has ‘just blinked,’ warns the CEO of one of the world’s largest independent financial advisory organizations.

The warning from Nigel Green of deVere Group comes as the world’s primary reserve currency slides 0.3% against a basket of major peers, while gold rises 0.6% to $5,133 a troy ounce, after President Trump unveiled a new 15% flat-rate tariff following a Supreme Court ruling that his previous trade measures exceeded executive authority.

Futures tracking the S and P 500 point to a 0.5% decline and the Nasdaq 100 to a 0.7% fall.

‘The dollar’s move may look modest in percentage terms, but in currency markets 0.3% in a single session tied directly to a policy announcement is meaningful,’ says Nigel Green.

‘It signals that global capital is reassessing risk at the sovereign policy level.’

Trump is invoking the 1974 Trade Act to impose the new tariff for up to 150 days after the Supreme Court ruled that earlier emergency powers had been used beyond their lawful scope.

The legal confrontation adds a layer of institutional friction to an already sensitive trade backdrop.

‘The issue is not simply tariffs,’ explains the deVere CEO.

‘It’s predictability. Reserve currency status rests on deep capital markets, rule of law and policy coherence.

‘When there’s visible tension between branches of government over economic authority, investors price that into the currency.’

The timing is significant. The dollar’s dominance has already faced gradual erosion through ongoing dedollarization efforts.

Several emerging and major economies have expanded bilateral trade settlement in local currencies, increased gold reserves, and diversified foreign exchange holdings over recent years.

‘While the dollar remains dominant in global reserves and trade invoicing, incremental diversification has been underway.

‘As some central banks are already trimming marginal dollar exposure and increasing gold allocations, episodes like this accelerate conversations about dedollarization,’ says Nigel Green.

‘No single event dethrones a reserve currency. Credibility shifts through accumulation of doubt.’

Gold’s 0.6% rise to $5,133 underscores that dynamic. Central banks globally have been consistent net buyers of gold in recent years, and renewed trade escalation strengthens the case for hard-asset buffers.

A weaker dollar has direct and varied market consequences.

For US investors, currency depreciation can lift multinational earnings when overseas revenues are translated back into dollars, potentially supporting equity valuations in export-heavy sectors.

At the same time, it can increase import costs, adding to inflationary pressure domestically.

The CEO continues: ‘Dollar softness is a double-edged sword.

‘It can boost the overseas earnings of US corporates, but it also raises the cost of imported goods and commodities priced in dollars, which feeds into margins and consumer prices.’

For global investors, the implications are equally notable.

‘A falling dollar typically supports commodity prices, as most raw materials are priced in dollars. The rise in gold reflects that relationship immediately. Energy and industrial metals can be expected to follow if dollar weakness persists.

‘Emerging markets often benefit in the short term from a softer dollar, as dollar-denominated debt burdens become relatively lighter and capital flows can rotate into higher-yielding jurisdictions. However, volatility tied to trade disputes can offset that benefit.’

Tech stocks, which have driven record highs on AI and tech enthusiasm, were among the weakest segments in early trading. European technology shares fell 0.9%, and US Nasdaq futures indicated a 0.7% decline.

‘AI supply chains are globally integrated. Tariffs increase input costs, disrupt procurement channels and complicate cross-border collaboration. Equity markets are starting to reflect that,’ says Nigel Green.

The 150-day window under the 1974 Trade Act provides a defined timeframe, yet markets extend beyond legislative calendars.

‘Capital allocators operate on forward expectations. If investors conclude that trade policy can shift abruptly in response to legal setbacks, they demand a higher risk premium on US assets. The premium shows up first in currency markets.’

He concludes: ‘The dollar is showing vulnerability in a world where dedollarization is already a strategic objective for some economies, even a 0.3% move tied to credibility concerns is a reminder that confidence is the foundation of reserve currency power.’

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George Prior is Head of PR for the world’s largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech group.

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deVere Group is one of the world’s largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

Parliament prepares to debate commission report on terror and disarmament

Following the release of the National Solidarity, Brotherhood, and Democracy Commission report, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye (TBMM) Numan Kurtulmus has taken steps to move the so-called ‘process laws’ forward. Emphasizing that these legislative measures should come to the parliamentary agenda after Ramadan, Kurtulmus began a series of visits to political parties over the next two days.

Today, Kurtulmus first met with Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) Chairman Devlet Bahçeli, followed by Republican People’s Party (CHP) Chairman Özgr Özel. He concluded his visits by meeting with the co-chairs of the Democracy and Equality Party (DEM Party), Tlay Hatimogullari and Tuncer Bakirhan. The closed-door meetings lasted approximately 35 minutes.

After meeting Hatimogullari and Bakirhan at their offices in the Parliament, Kurtulmus and Bakirhan spoke to the press. Kurtulmus expressed his gratitude to the DEM Party for its support during the commission process, noting that the party contributed to the orderly and effective progression of the work.

‘The commission has reached a historic milestone in addressing the most pressing challenge in the history of our Republic-the resolution of issues related to violence, weapons, and terrorism,’ Kurtulmus said.

Kurtulmus elaborated: ‘At every stage of the process, the party has openly shared its opinions and contributed to ensuring that the process runs smoothly. Let me emphasize this clearly: the resolution of the most severe issue in our Republic’s history-namely the matter of weapons, terror, and violence-marks a historic threshold. The parliamentary commission, with near-unanimous consensus, has produced a report, and the TBMM General Assembly will assume responsibility for its implementation. The resolution of this matter requires mutual goodwill, sincerity, and openness. Every step-from disarmament to the dissolution of the organization, and the reintegration of former members into society-must be carried out with meticulous care. Turkiye will leave this issue behind. There is no turning back. At this crucial moment, as we approach a solution, we as politicians will fulfill our duties. More valuable than each voice in its echo chamber is the collective voice speaking for the nation as a whole, which I believe this report achieves.’

Following Kurtulmus, DEM Party Co-Chair Tuncer Bakirhan addressed the media, stating: ‘There were points of consensus in the report as well as points of disagreement. As the Speaker mentioned, we openly shared these with the public and added them to the report. This does not mean the report is insignificant; on the contrary, for the first time in Parliament, five parties with group representation have reached agreement on various issues. We value this. Now is not the time to focus on disagreements in the report but rather to expand the common ground and, through it, open the path for Turkiye’s democracy while addressing a historic challenge that could define the next 100 years of our nation. Resolving the Kurdish issue is not just about today-it has the potential to shape Turkiye’s next century.’

Int’l Mugham Center holds concert dedicated to Gara Garayev [PHOTOS]

International Mugham Center has hosted a commemorative concert titled “Memory #4”, AzerNEWS reports.

The event was organized at the initiative of the Baku Contemporary Music Society. The concert was dedicated to the memory of the Azerbaijan’s prominent composer Gara Garayev.

The evening immersed the audience in an atmosphere of spiritual reflection, where music spoke of what words cannot express. Works from different eras,embodying ideas and emotions captured in masterpieces of genius-resonated anew, finding a heartfelt response among listeners.

Gara Garayev’s Violin Sonata and String Quartet No. 2 were performed with profound inner drama and refined sensitivity, creating the sense of an intimate musical monologue by the composer himself. Like a quiet conversation about the eternal, Igor Stravinsky’s “Elegy” unfolded in a chamber, meditative manner. A special atmosphere was brought to the concert by the performance of “Ohne” (Without) by Khayyam Mirzazade, distinguished by its melodic richness and a renewed interpretation of national intonations within a contemporary musical language.

A poetic highlight of the evening was the piece “Secret” from the cycle “Lyric Pieces” by Edvard Grieg, presented in an orchestral arrangement by Azerbaijani composer Ayaz Gambarli. Preserving the northern restraint and tender intonations of the original, the Cadenza Orchestra’s performance added new timbral colors and emotional depth. Also striking and thought-provoking was Faraj Garayev’s “ast postlude-post.,” a work of innovative musical thinking in which silence speaks as powerfully as sound.

The emotions of the evening warm applause and the audience’s enthusiastic response served as proof that art born of true talent has the power to stir feelings, inspire, and unite the hearts of different generations.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

President Erdogan praises security forces at Ramadan iftar in Bestepe

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended an iftar dinner at the Bestepe Millet Exhibition Hall honoring members of the police, gendarmerie, coast guard and security guards, delivering a wide-ranging speech focused on national unity, counterterrorism efforts and Turkiye’s evolving global role.

Opening his remarks by greeting participants, Erdogan said he was pleased to host Sheyl Mahmud, Secretary-General of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, at the Ramadan table. He also thanked the Interior Ministry, the General Directorate of Security, the Gendarmerie General Command and the Coast Guard Command for bringing security personnel together for the gathering.

Congratulating attendees on the holy month of Ramadan – which he described as ‘a month whose beginning is mercy, whose middle is forgiveness and whose end is salvation from hellfire’ – Erdogan commemorated fallen heroes from Malazgirt to the War of Independence, from the Cyprus Peace Operation to the fight against terrorism and the resistance of July 15.

‘I pray that the souls of our martyrs rest in peace and that their place be in paradise,’ he said, also wishing long lives to veterans and expressing gratitude to parents who send their children off to duty with the prayer, ‘May you become either a martyr or a veteran.’

Addressing security personnel serving across the country – from border regions and mountainous terrain to the seas and overseas missions – Erdogan thanked them on behalf of the nation. ‘May God be your helper. I pray that He protects you from every threat and every attack,’ he said.

Quoting the proverb ‘Without unity there can be no solidarity,’ Erdogan stressed that Turkiye’s peace and stability rest on the sacrifices of its security forces. ‘If Turkiye has become an island of peace, security and stability admired in its region and beyond, the lion’s share of this success belongs to you,’ he stated.

He said Turkiye’s law enforcement agencies had endured extraordinarily difficult struggles in recent history, thwarting attacks on the state and safeguarding national independence despite what he described as repeated attempts to damage their reputation.

‘You are the ones who wrote epics in the fight against terrorist organizations without discrimination,’ Erdogan said. ‘You are the ones who give no breathing space to organized crime groups, drug traffickers and those who see themselves above the law.’

He credited security forces with preventing unrest during the 2013 Gezi protests and blocking the July 15, 2016 coup attempt, as well as combating human trafficking networks and rescuing thousands of lives in maritime emergencies. He also praised them for protecting Turkiye’s cultural heritage and aiding victims regardless of identity, belief or nationality.

‘As President of the Republic of Turkiye, I am proud of each and every one of you,’ Erdogan said. ‘Whoever seeks to disturb our nation’s peace, undermine our state’s security or attack our freedoms and democracy will continue to face the full force of the law.’

The president pledged that, as over the past 23 years, his government would continue to provide full support to security units so they can carry out their duties effectively.

Erdogan emphasized that Turkiye has historically refused to live under anyone else’s shadow. ‘The only shadow we recognize is that of our red flag with the crescent and star,’ he said, quoting poet Arif Nihat Asya to underline the emotional and symbolic importance of the national flag.

He said Turkiye carefully calculates every move in a region where new crises and tensions emerge almost daily. ‘Against every calculation, we have our own calculation. We are prepared to break every trap and thwart every conspiracy,’ Erdogan declared, adding that policies are implemented with the experience of 23 years and carefully crafted strategies.

‘Turkiye today is stronger, more vigilant, more capable and more determined than at any point in its recent history,’ he said.

Erdogan noted that Turkiye is consolidating its position as a regional pole in a reshaping global system. He expressed satisfaction that peace and security now prevail across the country.

‘Western Turkiye is as secure as the east; the north is as safe as the south,’ he said. Areas once inaccessible due to terrorism are now open to shepherds and tourists alike, he added, arguing that improved security has fueled investment, employment and economic growth.

Referring to energy exploration in Gabar, Erdogan said that oil and natural gas resources long left untapped are now contributing to national prosperity. As the terrorism threat – which he said cost Turkiye more than $2 trillion over nearly half a century – recedes, all citizens benefit regardless of ethnic or sectarian identity.

‘With God’s blessing, Turkiye is now playing in a different league,’ he said.

Erdogan stressed that the ‘Terror-Free Turkiye’ process is being advanced step by step through coordination between security forces, parliament and the ruling alliance. He expressed confidence that the country would achieve a future in which ‘mothers do not weep and young lives are not cut short.’

The current stage of progress, he said, is the product of the heroism of security forces, the courage of veterans and the sacrifices of martyrs. ‘Heroes exist to keep the homeland alive,’ Erdogan said, adding that the state will continue to stand strong through the strength of its heroes.

Concluding his remarks, Erdogan said Turkiye will reach its goal of a ‘strong and great Turkiye’ envisioned under the ‘Century of Turkiye’ vision. He thanked security personnel for their service and asked attendees to convey his greetings to colleagues on duty.

‘May God be your helper,’ he said.

President Ilham Aliyev inspects reconstruction progress in Khojavend village [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On February 25, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva reviewed the developments in the village of Khojavend in the Khojavend district, AzerNEWS reports. Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President for the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the social infrastructure projects implemented in the village.

This village, part of the eponymous administrative territorial district of Khojavend, was liberated from occupation in September 2023 following the anti-terror operations conducted by Azerbaijan Armed Forces.

The village consists of 278 private houses. Of these, 128 were deemed unfit for habitation, while 150 were partially habitable. Twenty of the partially habitable houses have already been renovated, with an additional 130 houses scheduled for repair this year.

This February, 20 families, comprising 94 individuals, returned to the village. Between March and December, an additional 130 families (533 people) are planned to be resettled.

Extensive infrastructure work has been completed to date. A 5-kilometer gas supply line was installed, and 1,500 meters of the existing network were restored. Furthermore, 2,100 meters of 0.4 kV power lines and two transformer stations were rehabilitated. Internal roads have been paved, and pedestrian paths have been constructed, with work ongoing.

Following the inspection, President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the living conditions created at home of Rizvan Ibrahimov, who relocated to the village, and held a conversation.

Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva visit boarding school and STEAM Center in Quba city [PHOTOS]

On February 24, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva paid a visit to the Quba district, where they toured local educational institutions and engaged with students and faculty members.

AzerNEWS reports that the visit included stops at a general-purpose boarding school in the city of Quba and the Quba STEAM Center.

The program began with a visit to the city’s general boarding-type secondary school. School officials reported that the institution currently provides education to 114 students, including 79 boys and 35 girls. During their visit, Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva familiarized themselves with the conditions created at the school, toured classrooms, and observed ongoing lessons and extracurricular activities.

The guests held warm and sincere conversations with the children, showing interest in their academic progress and daily routines. They presented the students with school supplies and posed for commemorative photographs. A cultural program prepared by the pupils was also showcased during the visit, featuring poetry recitations and musical performances.

The delegation then proceeded to the Quba STEAM Center. During the tour, it was recalled that the large-scale implementation of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) educational project in Azerbaijani schools began in 2019 at the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

The Quba STEAM Center has been operating since 2021 and is designed to serve students of various age groups. Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva were introduced to the facilities and innovative learning environment established at the center. They engaged in discussions with students, inquiring about how they apply the knowledge and practical skills acquired through the STEAM program.

The visit concluded with commemorative photographs taken together with the children and the school staff, marking a day focused on educational development and youth engagement in the region.

New steps taken to advance para-taekwondo in country

The Azerbaijan National Paralympic Committee (NPC) and the Azerbaijan Taekwondo Federation (ATF) are taking significant steps to further the development of para-taekwondo in the country, AzerNEWS reports.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation has been officially signed between the two organizations. Following the signing, officials from both institutions held a meeting to discuss the future of their joint initiatives.

During the meeting, discussions focused on sustaining the achievements in para-taekwondo and exploring opportunities to broaden cooperation in this field.

Under the terms of the memorandum, the parties will work together to promote the growth of para-taekwondo nationwide, increase participation among individuals with disabilities, enhance public engagement, and implement joint projects.

The memorandum was signed by Togrul Rahimov, Secretary General of the NPC, and Aygul Abdullayeva, Secretary General of the ATF, marking a new era of partnership in Azerbaijani para-sports.

Founded in 1996, the National Paralympic Committee is now commemorating three decades of dedicated service and achievement.

Over the period from 1996 to 2026, Azerbaijani Paralympians have competed in nine Paralympic Games, winning an impressive 27 gold, 21 silver, and 20 bronze medals.

In total, the country’s athletes have claimed 27 Paralympic titles, 29 world championships, and 55 European championship titles, underscoring Azerbaijan’s strong presence on the international Paralympic stage.

The National Paralympic Committee has unveiled its new official logo, along with a special emblem created to mark the 30th anniversary, both of which have already been presented to the public.

Taekwondo is one of the most popular sports in the country, attracting athletes of all ages.

The Azerbaijan Taekwondo Federation has trained many prominent athletes since its foundation in 1992.

In 2018, Radik Isayev (80 kg) was crowned European Champion for the second time in his career.

Another national taekwondo fighter Milad Beigi Harchegani (80 kg) became the world taekwondo champion in 2019.

In 2021, Azerbaijani female taekwondo athlete Minaya Akbarova claimed a bronze medal at the European Taekwondo Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria. She won the bronze medal in the 46 kg weight class.

Moreover, the Azerbaijani taekwondo team won five medals at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games.

The taekwondo fighters won one gold, two silver, and two bronze in Konya, Turkiye.

The medals came from Farida Azizova (gold medal), Javad Aghayev, Minaya Akbarova (silver medals), Hashim Mahammadov, and Patimat Abakarova (bronze).

In total, Azerbaijani sportsmen captured 99 medals at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games, including 29 gold, 36 silver, and 34 bronze.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, taekwondo fighter Gashim Magomedov (58 kg) and boxer Alfonso Dominguez (92 kg) enriched the country’s medal haul with silver medals.

The national team secured a total of seven medals, including two gold, two silver and three bronze.